City Profile
Makakilo, Hawaii
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Makakilo, situated on the slopes of the Waiʻanae mountain range on Oahu, is a vibrant master-planned community that overlooks the rapidly growing second city of Kapolei. Originally developed in the late 1960s and 1970s, the neighborhood has expanded significantly to offer a cooler mountainside climate while remaining close to the commercial hubs of West Oahu. Residents are largely drawn to the area for its family-oriented atmosphere, sweeping panoramic ocean and sunset views, and relatively peaceful residential vibe compared to downtown Honolulu.
Hawaii is characterized by its unique island geography, diverse cultural heritage, and a pervasive "Aloha Spirit" emphasizing love, compassion, and community. The economy is heavily reliant on tourism, which is the largest industry, contributing significantly to the state's gross product. Other major industries include military defense, diversified agriculture, and emerging sectors like healthcare, technology, and renewable energy. Living in Hawaii is notably expensive, with a cost of living index nearly double the national average, primarily driven by high housing, utility, and grocery costs due to its isolated location and dependence on imports. The climate is tropical with year-round warm temperatures, consistent trade winds, and distinct wet and dry seasons, though local variations can range from humid tropical to alpine. The lifestyle is generally laid-back and deeply connected to outdoor activities and nature, with residents enjoying a high life expectancy.
How this 57/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 78 / 100 | 78.0 | 30% | 23.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 165.0 | 0.0 | 25% | 0.0 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $105,000 Income needed to live here: $65,000 Unemployment rate: 3.2% | 92.5 | 20% | 18.5 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.8% Job growth rate: 1.9% | 51.5 | 15% | 7.7 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 | 70.0 | 10% | 7.0 |
| Overall score | 56.6 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 3 (deep think) (q=54, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Makakilo is notably higher than the mainland U.S. average, driven primarily by Hawaii's heavy reliance on imported goods, high energy costs, and steep real estate prices. Housing costs constitute the largest expense for residents, whether purchasing property on the steep hillsides or renting apartments near the growing Kapolei commercial center. While grocery and utility expenses remain elevated due to geographic isolation, everyday living is somewhat balanced by strong local median household incomes.
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Makakilo functions primarily as a bedroom community, with a large portion of its resident workforce commuting to nearby employment centers in Kapolei, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, or downtown Honolulu. Key economic drivers in the surrounding region include tourism and hospitality, defense and military contracting, healthcare services, and heavy construction. Remote work has also grown increasingly popular among residents seeking to bypass the H-1 freeway commute while enjoying the tranquil mountainside environment.
The average salary in Makakilo is $78,000 per year. You would need approximately $65,000 to live comfortably.
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Transportation in Makakilo is heavily car-dependent, as the neighborhood's steep hillside geography and residential design make walking or cycling challenging for daily errands. The primary route for commuters is the congested H-1 freeway, making peak-hour traffic a significant factor in daily travel times. While local bus service connects Makakilo to Kapolei and transit hubs, most residents rely on personal vehicles to navigate the island.
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